Automation Engineer – AGV Systems

WTL Wheatland Tube, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Bonus plan

401(k) with company match

Medical and dental benefits

Job summary

Zekelman Industries in Chicago is seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer (AGV Specialist) to own programming, commissioning and optimization of our newly installed AGV system across indoor bays and outdoor yards. You will bridge software and hardware, ensuring 24/7 operation and high throughput in a heavy industrial environment.

Requirements include a Bachelor's in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation or related field and 3+ years programming AGVs/AMRs or robotic workcells, plus PLC/HMI

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience programming and commissioning autonomous systems, AGVs, AMRs, or heavy industrial robotic workcells.
• Strong proficiency in PLC languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams.
• Solid understanding of EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, or CAN bus.
• Familiarity with AGV guidance technologies (LiDAR SLAM, laser triangulation, RTK-GPS, or magnetic guidance).
• Able to work in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment with heat, dust, and outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and optimize AGV routing, traffic control, and dispatch sequencing.
• Write and modify PLC code and HMI screens to integrate the AGV system with mill infrastructure.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot navigation systems including LiDAR SLAM and RTK-GPS.
• Configure safety systems (laser scanners, bumper zones, emergency stops) per standards.
• Integrate AGV fleet management with MES/WMS/ERP via industrial protocols.
• Conduct field-testing, path validation, and load-testing under various conditions.
• Create technical documentation and train maintenance staff.

Skills

Python

C++

PLC programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics/Automation/Robotics/CS

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Beckhoff PLC

HMI development

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play - all day, everyday. Zekelman is a family of companies - 100% domestic manufacturers - with a legacy dating back to 1877. We're proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development. We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more. Come build a career you believe in.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer (AGV Specialist) to take ownership of the programming, commissioning, and optimization of our newly installed Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system. Operating across both our indoor bays, outdoor storage yards and building to building our heavy-duty AGV system transports steel loads and other items in a demanding, high-heat, and dynamic environment. In this role, you will write, modify, and troubleshoot the logic that controls vehicle navigation, traffic management, facility integration (automated doors, cranes, and conveyors), and safety zones. You will bridge the gap between physical machinery and software systems to ensure 24/7 operational reliability and maximum throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• AGV Logic & Fleet Programming: Program, configure, and optimize AGV routing, traffic control, and dispatch sequencing using the AGV manufacturer’s proprietary fleet management software and scripting tools.
• PLC & HMI Development: Write and modify PLC code (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Beckhoff) and HMI screens to integrate the AGV system with existing mill infrastructure like automated bay doors, charging stations, and material conveyors.
• Sensor & Navigation Tuning: Calibrate and troubleshoot hybrid navigation systems, including indoor LiDAR SLAM mapping and outdoor GPS/RTK or magnetic tracking systems.
• Safety System Configuration: Program and test safety-rated laser scanners, bumper zones, and emergency stop circuits to comply with industrial safety standards (ISO 3691-4 / ANSI B56.5) across changing indoor/outdoor conditions.
• Systems Integration: Partner with the IT and Operations teams to connect the AGV fleet management software to upper-level manufacturing systems (MES, WMS, or ERP) via industrial protocols.
• Testing & Commissioning: Conduct field-testing, path validation, and load-testing of the vehicles under various weather conditions (rain, heat, snow) and surface transitions.
• Documentation & Training: Create detailed technical documentation, recovery procedures, and standard operating instructions; provide training to maintenance technicians and floor operators.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical field (equivalent hands-on industrial experience evaluated).
• Experience: 3+ years of experience programming and commissioning autonomous systems, AGVs, AMRs, or heavy industrial robotic workcells.
• PLC Expertise: Strong proficiency in programming PLCs using languages like Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams.
• Industrial Networking: Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, or CAN bus.
• Navigation Systems: Familiarity with AGV guidance technologies (LiDAR SLAM, laser triangulation, RTK-GPS, or magnetic guidance).
• Environment: Ability and willingness to work in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment, including exposure to heat, dust, outdoor weather conditions, and uneven terrain.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Skills

• Direct experience with heavy-duty or high-capacity AGV fleets (20+ ton payloads).
• Experience with scripting languages like Python, C++, or SQL for database integration.
• Prior experience working in the steel, automotive, or heavy mining sectors.

Compensation for this role is $125,000 - $140,000, plus bonus Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries. We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers. We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers. Zekelman is a family of companies - 100% domestic manufacturers - with a legacy dating back to 1877. We're proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.